On July 1, the Anne Arundel County Food Bank, like many nonprofits, community organizations, and local governments, began its new fiscal year, FY25. We spent much of the final quarter of FY24 preparing for the start of the new year, assessing what we had accomplished, setting goals for how we move forward, and establishing a lean, strategic budget to take us both where we need to be over the coming year and keep us grounded as careful stewards of the resources that we receive. It is a delicate balancing act – food insecurity continues to rise across our community, higher prices are causing the neighbors we serve and the donors who support our work alike to feel the pinch. I believe that we have managed to thread the needle and will be able to continue to expand our activities, strengthen our team, and meet the needs of the community without exceeding our means. It is no small task, and I am grateful for the dedicated work of our Board of Directors and our staff for helping to get us here.


There is always a hopefulness that accompanies beginnings. The possibility to achieve goals, create innovative solutions, and move, even if just slightly, toward systemic change looms large for the food bank. This is always an exciting time. Truthfully though, that bright feeling of shiny newness doesn’t last long, and lingering challenges coupled with new, unforeseen roadblocks rear their ugly heads quickly. For example, just one week into the first month of FY25, our inside freezer broke down…again, causing a loss of frozen product that could have been much worse, but wasn’t insignificant. Do we repair it one more time, possibly throwing good money after bad? Do we give up on nursing it along and face the challenge of consolidating all our frozen product – purchased, donated, and government-provided – in our outside freezer potentially running out of space as we move toward the holiday season? What if we overload that freezer and, in the heat of summer, it begins to malfunction? As I write this, I do not yet know the answer. We are consulting with experts, exploring our options, and carefully weighing the costs of all of our choices. I do know that we will make an informed decision and carry on, and, most importantly, the Neighbors we serve will continue to receive the resources that they need to survive and thrive.


I share this story to illustrate the perpetual challenge of all nonprofits, to pull back the curtain a bit on the complex world that we navigate. Our resources are limited and given to us with the understanding that we will use them wisely. Our mission is critical to the wellbeing and stability of real people in our community working hard to raise families and make ends meet. We feel this pull every day and it is never easy. Still though, I remain more excited by the start of a new year than disheartened by the inevitable challenges and setbacks. The AACFB has been feeding Anne Arundel since 1986, and until the day when food insecurity is no more, we will always find a way to serve and meet the needs of our community.



Sincerely,

Leah Paley

CEO, Anne Arundel County Food Bank

OUT AND ABOUT

Mobile Pantry on the road four times per month

The mobile pantry has been logging more miles recently as it now goes to four distributions each month at locations throughout the county. The mobile pantry offers fresh produce and meats and baby items like diapers and wipes in addition to shelf-stable foods.


Last fiscal year, the mobile pantry distributed almost 50,000 pounds of food to more than 5,000 individuals from 1,245 households. February and June were extremely busy months, accounting for almost half of the food distributed and demonstrating a year-round need in our community.

Maryland SUN Bucks program now live


The Maryland SUN Bucks program is now live! Maryland SUN Bucks helps families with school-aged children who receive free or reduced-price meals buy groceries during the summer break when school meals are unavailable. Building on the former Summer SNAP program, Maryland SUN Bucks will help 543,000 children across the state who receive free and reduced-priced meals.


Families who qualify for the Maryland SUN Bucks program will receive $40 for June, July, and August (a total of $120) for each eligible student. Visit https://dhs.maryland.gov/sunbucks/ for more info & eligibility.

Just 12 days left to double your impact!


In honor of their 50th anniversary, Crosby Marketing Communications is matching any gift given to the Anne Arundel County Food Bank in the month of July up to $50,000. 


Many Anne Arundel County households are experiencing increased food insecurity during the summer months because more family members are at home throughout the day. Not all of our neighbors qualify for the SUN Bucks program (see above) and they are struggling to make ends meet, feeding their children first while forgoing their own meals. 


Think outside the lunchbox this July. Double your impact, and help reduce summer food anxiety. Donate securely and quickly at https://aafoodbank.org/summer/ Thank you in advance for your support!

Happenings at the Food Bank

AACFB receives $50,000 grant for baby supplies


The Anne Arundel County Food Bank is honored to be one of the nine nonprofits awarded funding through the Fund For Anne Arundel at the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County! The $50,000 grant will support the purchase of much-needed baby supplies including diapers, wipes, formula, and baby food for distribution by our 28 Network Partner baby pantry locations and our Mobile Pantry.

Food Bank welcomes two to Board of Directors

The Anne Arundel County Food Bank is excited to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors effective July 1.


Vanessa Carter was born and raised in Anne Arundel County and currently resides in Odenton. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University and received her Master of Arts degree from Notre Dame University of Maryland. Vanessa began working for Anne Arundel County in 1993, concluding her career by retiring from the Department of Health in 2015.


Vanessa has served on a variety of boards and commissions over the years and has been the recipient of several awards including the 2001 TWIN Community Honoree Award from the YWCA of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County; the 2005 Distinguished Graduate Award from Leadership Anne Arundel; and the 2020 Volunteer of the Year Award from the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County. In 2023 the Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce named her a Hall of Fame honoree.

 

Jeff Tomitz and his wife Laura have called Anne Arundel County home for over 30 years, raising their children in Crofton. Jeff has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from St. John’s University and a Master’s Degree in Finance from American University. He began his career in finance as an auditor and tax professional with a focus on tax-advantaged real estate partnerships. He later left public accounting to serve as a chief financial officer for not-for-profit organizations such as BoardSource, the American Council on Education, and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.


Jeff and his wife have supported the Anne Arundel County Food Bank’s Backpack Buddies program for many years. Additionally, they volunteer with several food pantry distributions in the area. 



The Anne Arundel County Food Bank looks forward to learning from their experience and expertise as we work together to alleviate food insecurity in our neighborhoods. Welcome, Vanessa and Jeff!

Volunteer spotlight: Heritage Harbour

Recently, Vicki Hutchins and Deedee Mahaffay from the Heritage Harbour Civic Association dropped off over $11,000 in checks in addition to the more than 5,000 pounds of food that they collected during their June food and funds drive. We are so grateful to the residents of Heritage Harbour for their longstanding support of the AACFB! What an amazing partnership!



Consider hosting a food & funds drive in your community, workplace, sports league, or anywhere else people gather! Click below for more information including our Drive to Thrive guide.

Host a Food Drive 

Coming up: Did you know that August is Make-a-Will month?


National Make-a-Will Month highlights legacy giving and serves as a reminder of the significance of leaving a lasting impact through charitable bequests.

 

The AACFB has established the Cornucopia Society to recognize the significant contribution toward the future of the Food Bank made by our legacy donors.

 

To learn more, please contact Director of Development and External Relations Sarah Reilly at sarah@aafoodbank.org or 410-849-7507.

Anne Arundel County Food Bank

Feeding Anne Arundel Since 1986

410-923-4255

www.aafoodbank.org

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